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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Pre-Tripawd: Beau (Osteosarcoma)
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Member Since:
27 April 2016
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27 April 2016 - 3:31 pm
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Hi everyone!

My Beau (5-6 year old rescue Lab) was just diagnosed with the big C.  Insert serious, serious sad face.

We have had x-rays confirming an osteosarcoma in his hind right leg that has not metastasized in the chest (confirmed by a 3 view chest x-ray yesterday).  In fact, his chest looks great!  Our vet is sending the images to a surgeon and we will be moving forward with amputation in the next week.  My vet is incredibly realistic and let me know that since I will not be doing chemo with him, the amputation could buy him 4-5 months max; however, I am choosing to remain hopeful that he will last longer since my Beau is a happy boy with lots of energy!

Do any of you who have gone through this have any recommendations on supplements that have helped you keep the cancer at bay?  I am open to any holistic or alternative therapies that will help my boy beat this horrible disease.  He is currently on a grain-free diet to help curb inflammation per my vet's recommendation.

Thank you in advance!!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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27 April 2016 - 4:04 pm
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Hi Beau and family, welcome. I hope you don't mind but I moved your post here since this is a great place to discuss supplements. You'll find lots of other ideas too. I highly recommend visiting our Tripawds Nutrition blog for supplement ideas and tips.

I like the way your vet is thinking!

And I'm so sorry for the diagnosis. But keep in mind that those statistics you're given are just guesses...many dogs do much better than the prognosis. Our own Jerry thrived for two amazing years after his osteo diagnosis, and we opted out of chemo as well. Through the years we've seen others who were just as fortunate. Not everyone is, but you have to keep that hope in your heart and make the most of every day. Beau will teach you so much about how to live in the moment, just wait!

Whatever we can do to help, we're here for you OK?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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27 April 2016 - 4:28 pm
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Beau, you are a very handsome boy! And look at the happy face! You don't care about any ole' stupid diagnosis or worthless statistics. You clearly have a lot.of living to do and and rons more spoiling and rummy rubs ro take in!

A other good source of information for holistic and alternative therapies is The Dog Cancer Survival Guide .

You have a great handle on understanding this whole amputation journey is about living a quality pain free life and savoring the bliss of living in the NOW! The diagnosis changes NOTHING in Beau's world. He sure doesn't count days on a calender and he doesn't have a timeframe stamped anywhere on his butt! We often see dogs blow statistics out of the water around here! Besides, in doggy years six months equals over three human years! A whole lot of treats and sunbathing can be crammed I to three years!

I jnow some members here have done phone consults with Dr. Charles Loops from Noeth Carolina as far as holistic approach.

Recovery is no pocnic for a couple of weeks. Most dogs, but not all, are able to walk out of the hospital unassisted on three legs. Some take a little longer and need help with slings or harnesses. When dogs first come out of the hospital, rhey may have a bit of a pain med high for a day or two until the hospital meds are out of their system...then a crash!! Balancing pain meds and doses can be a bit tricky. This is major surgery and it hurts!

Your vet will most likely send you home with Tramadol, Rimadyl, an antibiotic and .maybe Gabapentin. When you pick Beau up after surgery, just look into his druggy eyes and tell him what a good boy he is! Don't even bother looking at the incision site, Beau sure isn't!

Drinking and peeing are important, but don't be too concerned about pooping or eating right away. Sometimes the meds can delay both.

Stay connected! This is a stressful time and getting to this point is exhausting mentally and physically. We understand like no others can! Once Beau's sparkle starts ro come back and he's rid of that pain leg, you will be absolutely amazed at how great life can be!

You are not alone!

Hugs to you and delightful Beau!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Member Since:
27 April 2016
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1 May 2016 - 5:02 pm
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Thank you both for your help and the warm welcome!! We have surgery tomorrow and I'm starting to get nervous. Let's just hope we can kick it and it will be smooth sailing after this 🙂

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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1 May 2016 - 5:58 pm
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Okay, this is when you devour as much CHOCOLATE as you can eat! So.e choose alcoe, some choose both!clap

Beau will have his surgery tomorrow and be on great meds where he'll be seeing pink elephants and feeling no pain! Guess he's spending the night? So once they tell you he's out of surgery yiu get a good night's rest. You may have a few sleepless nights! Sometimes they come home whining and restless, sometimes very lethargic and sometimes feeling pretty perky because of all the hospital lain meds!

When you pick ke him up, don't even look at his incision...........he won't be! Just smooch his face and tell him what a good boy he is! I clapped for my Happy Hannah. She always liked it when I clapped for her!

We're right here by your side! Stay connected!

Hugs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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1 May 2016 - 8:30 pm
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beaubeau said
We have surgery tomorrow and I'm starting to get nervous...

Ssshhhh! Beau doesn't know. But he will follow your lead, so he need you to be strong to show him everything will be OK. Our best advice is to Be More Dog .

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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